Zeds Dead get spooky, tribal, and deep on new Hot Sauce EP

In the last year, Zeds Dead have exalted their status to the highest tier of dubstep producers. From their rugged Living Dead EP to their more reserved Victor EP, Zeds Dead have shown a knack for both mischief and musicality. If their live shows have proved anything, it’s that DC and Hooks are never content with stagnation. With tastes ranging from trap, to breaks, to electro house and more, it’s about time Zeds Dead have integrated their more creative interests into productions.

Hot Sauce EP is not your standard Zeds Dead release. Boasting only one traditional dubstep song and no Omar Linx, Hot Sauce showcases some of Zeds Dead’s more obscure musical affinities. With midtempo, deep/garage, tribal, and breaks represented, Hot Sauce is an experimental release geared towards reconstructing the Zeds Dead sound to a more liberal definition. Check out all five originals below the break.

“Demons” is as creepy as its name implies. A haunting, off-key melody paves the way for a menacing midtempo drop. “Demons” feels better suited for Zeds Dead’s previous Living Dead EP.

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“Mr. Sub” is something entirely new from Zeds Dead. Deep, subsonic, and minimal, “Mr. Sub” is funky future with an overarching impression of deep house. I never thought I’d hear such a track from Zeds Dead, but it’s potentially my favorite from the entire EP.

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“Playa” is one of the more spicy additions to the EP. For anyone who is a fan of Dismantle and his tribal dance stylings (think “Computation”), “Playa” is right up your alley. Minimally layered with a focus on percussion, “Playa” is a more experimental direction from Zeds Dead.

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While Zeds Dead are most commonly known for their battering dubstep productions, the duo have long been invested in breaks. “Rave” is the epitome of Zeds Dead’s live sets: a maelstrom of sonic energy and gyrating bodies, pulsating to a heavy percussive beat.

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Anevo’s original production run continues with “Desire.” Adding another genre to his ever-expanding catalog of eclectic productions, Anevo dabbles in the deep end of dance music with “Desire.” As the name would suggest, the Swede crafts a sultry and sensual afterhours cut driven by its catchy samplework and thunderous sub bass. Like his past productions, “The Groove,” and “Burning for You,” the up-and-coming producer’s attention to detail makes the mix truly shine; subtle plucks and rich sound design present “Desire” as an impressive addition to his fledgling legacy.